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Female Lifeguard Attacked In Saugus

SAUGUS (CBS) – The search is on for a male suspect who attacked a 20 year old female lifeguard on a trail at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus. Police were alerted at 2:15 p.m. that she was missing from her post and began swarming the area.

It was an alert jogger who heard the cries for help and was able to direct an Environmental Police officer to her location about an hour later. Police say the lifeguard had taken a break from her shift because it was maintenance day at Pearce Lake and no one was in the water because the area was being cleaned.

She told the officer she was grabbed from behind and physically attacked, the injuries are potentially serious as she was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Police did not describe the nature of the attack, but do not believe a weapon was used.

WBZ-TV's Beth Germano reports.

"There was no description, she was too shaken up. We were able to unite her with her mother," said Massachusetts State Police Sgt. Byron Rizos.

Police immediately put the reservation into lockdown, checking the ID's of all visitors as a precaution.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones reports

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"They told us we couldn't leave at that time. I gave them my social security number and they put it into a laptop," said Don McQueen who was out walking with his dog. Teddy Booris who was with his two friends said they were held for half an hour while police took pictures of license plates in the area.

Police had K-9 units and the airwing searching the area, securing all entrances in search of the suspect who police say could have left from a number of exits. Those who walk in the area credit a strong police presence, but now admit their guard is up.

"It's a really safe area I like to think but I question that now. I really hope they catch the person," said visitor Anthony Battalia.

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